Modular Waste Container with Radial Segmentation and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection containers do not effectively achieve a modular, separate collection of waste with adaptable sections for different types of waste, and they lack efficient transportation and space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A modular container with adjustable belts and elastic braces that allow for the separation of waste into multiple sections, featuring a cone or cylinder structure that can be disassembled for transportation, and includes environment-compatible multi-bags that can be easily installed and exchanged, with a transportation system to minimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid structure with fixed sections is used for waste collection, then the container provides stable support and easy operation, but it cannot adapt to different container sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is divided into multiple independent radial elements that can be assembled or disassembled independently. Each radial element can be connected or disconnected along its lateral borders, allowing the structure to be configured for different container sizes and shapes while maintaining operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic modular system where radial elements can be connected or disconnected as needed. This allows the same basic structure to adapt to different container configurations without requiring completely different designs for each size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent bags are attached to the container, then separate waste collection is achieved, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The radial elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the container, act as attachment mechanisms for bags, and enable modular assembly. The same connecting mechanisms that join radial elements together also facilitate bag attachment, reducing the need for separate complex attachment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function and bag attachment function are merged into the same radial element system. The connecting mechanisms for assembling radial elements are the same mechanisms used to attach bags, simplifying the overall system by combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is designed for easy disassembly for transportation, then space requirements are reduced, but assembly and disassembly operations become more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into radial elements that can be quickly disconnected and reconnected. The modular design allows for rapid disassembly into compact configurations for transportation and just as rapid assembly when needed, minimizing the time loss associated with configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial elements can be nested or aligned in compact configurations when disconnected, reducing the volume required for transportation. The design facilitates efficient packing of the modular components into smaller spaces while maintaining the ability to quickly assemble the full container structure when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular container (200) for a separate collection of waste, where its inner space is divided in different sections, able to contain two, three or four different bags separated each other, characterized in that comprising: - a series of radial elements (201a, 201b, 201c, 201d), each of them being represented by an independent module that, together with the other modules, achieves a general structure having the shape of a cone or a cylinder; said radial elements (201a, 201b, 201c, 201d) can be connected each other along their respective right and left lateral borders, by using a respective connecting mechanism (220); one of said radial elements includes an outer housing (205) in order to insert possible add-on; - a jointed base element (202), comprising in turn two platforms (203a, 203b), represented by elements that can rotate each in respect to the other, and in respect to a first central pivot (204); on said base element (202) the general structure of the modular container (200) stands up; - a jointed top lid (250), having a circular shape, comprising in turn two fixed circular sectors (251a, 251b) and a series of movable circular sectors (252a, 252b, 252c, 252d, 252e, 252f) that can rotate in respect to said fixed circular sectors (251a, 251b) and in respect to a second central pivot (254); said lid (250) presents a jointed protrusion (253) on its radial border, said protrusion (253) being inserted in said outer housing (205), so that an opening/closing mechanism is achieved in the same lid (250) in respect to said modular container (200), so that the same container (200) presents an assembled configuration for a standard use, and a disassembled configuration for transportation, where said radial elements (201a, 201b, 201c, 201d) are disconnected, said base element (202) is disconnected and closed on itself, and said lid (250) is disconnected and closed on itself.